Mobile Apps Can Help Manage and Support Mental, Emotional Health

Emerging research suggests mobile apps can help an individual learn to improve their emotional and mental health. Moreover, the apps instill confidence that one can use the skills to stay in control and maintain emotional and mental health.

Brigham Young University health science researchers were looking to identify what it is about health apps that influences users’ behavior. Over three studies, they surveyed roughly 600 people who had used diet, physical activity, or mental health apps in the past six months.

The findings for diet and fitness app users were as expected: More than 90 percent of users reported an increase in their desire and motivation to eat healthy and be physically active.

But the really good news was the response from mental and emotional health app users: 90 percent reported increased motivation, confidence, intention, and attitudes about being mentally and emotionally healthy.

The studies appear in JMIR mHealth and uHealth.

“Our findings show that mental and emotional health-focused apps have the ability to positively change behavior,” said Ben Crookston, associate professor of health science at Brigham Young University.

“This is great news for people looking for inexpensive, easily accessible resources to help combat mental and emotional health illness and challenges.”

While mobile mental and emotional health apps are not the most traditional approach, these findings suggest that they may be a worthwhile tool for addressing mental health in individuals and increasing self-efficacy.

Research shows that people who struggle with mental and emotional health problems feel like they lack control. While there are many problems that should be addressed by a professional, users can now feel confident that resources they can use on their own really can be effective.

Understanding how these self-help apps promote behavior change will not only help individuals but also health providers working with those struggling with these kinds of problems, researchers said.

“These apps are engaging and if we can get people to use them more often, the potential certainly exists to help people change their behavior,” said co-author Josh West, Ph.D., M.P.H.

The researchers hope to continue studying this topic by looking into what kind of apps are most effective at improving mental and emotional wellness (meditation prayer, faith-based scripture, medication adherence, mood tracker, stress management, or positive affirmation).

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About Rick Nauert PhD

Dr. Rick Nauert has over 25 years experience in clinical, administrative and academic healthcare. He is currently an associate professor for Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals doctoral program in health promotion and wellness. Dr. Nauert began his career as a clinical physical therapist and served as a regional manager for a publicly traded multidisciplinary rehabilitation agency for 12 years. He has masters degrees in health-fitness management and healthcare administration and a doctoral degree from The University of Texas at Austin focused on health care informatics, health administration, health education and health policy. His research efforts included the area of telehealth with a specialty in disease management.